In his role as dean, Polonsky oversees the university’s research and education programs in the biological sciences and medicine. As executive vice president, he reports directly to the university president and serves as an officer of the university, overseeing the University of Chicago Medicine.

Robert J. Zimmer, president of the University of Chicago, said the reappointment is a reflection of Polonsky’s accomplishments during the past four and a half years, reinforced by the recommendation of a faculty-reappointment advisory committee.

“Under Kenneth’s leadership, the medical center has made dramatic steps forward in virtually every aspect of clinical care,” Zimmer said. “That this has been accomplished in a very uncertain and volatile environment for health care nationally has made these advances all the more remarkable. Thanks to the work that Kenneth, his leadership team, and all members of our clinical care delivery program have done over the past few years, we are in a dramatically stronger position to address these challenges.”